We've been thinking a lot about culture recently, and reflecting on how–whether or not we’re aware of it–culture is a force that’s always exerting influence on us. It’s typically only when we get outside of our daily routine, our city or even our country, and are confronted with new ways of doing things that we can clearly see the values, norms, and practices that make up the culture we live in. Today, we’re re-running a thought-provoking conversation we had with Michele Gelfand about notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures. It’s a conversation that helps illuminate some of the invisible forces of culture, and also sheds light on how understanding these forces helps us better navigate the world. We hope you’ll take another listen and enjoy.

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Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Michele Gelfand
Mindset Quiz

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces Michele Gelfand, a professor of psychology and business studies at Stanford University.

(00:02:22) What is Culture?

Defining culture as a set of norms, values, and beliefs.

(00:03:36) The Tight-Loose Continuum

Tight versus loose cultures and their enforcement of social norms.

(00:06:20) Individual vs Societal Tight-Loose

The differences in tight-loose orientation across individuals and nations.

(00:08:25) Tight-Loose Across Societal Levels

How history, ecology, and mobility shape cultural tightness or looseness.

(00:11:25) Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

The role of cultural intelligence in negotiations and leadership.

(00:16:21) Tight-Loose in Personal & Professional Life

Negotiating cultural differences in relationships and organizations.

(00:19:53) Cultural Evolutionary Mismatch

Cultural responses to crises and the influence of perceived vs. real threats.

(00:23:45) Tight-Loose Differences in Business

Cultural differences in mergers, acquisitions, and financial performance.

(00:25:58) Improving Cultural Intelligence

Whether individuals can improve their CQ through practice and exposure.

(00:28:37) Tight-Loose in Politics

The growing tight-loose divide in political and social issues.

(00:31:09) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

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